At-Risk Structures

There are many neighborhoods housing architectural treasures that don't have a historical designation. This means that valuable pieces of history can be torn down for new developments. These structures go on our "At-Risk" list. The Risk List was an idea borrowed from The National Trust for Historic Preservation and Preservation Dallas’ List of Endangered Historic Places, with a focus on Oak Cliff, during a time when economic development was on the forefront and zoning changes were under debate. Publishing the Architecture at Risk list, specifically for Oak Cliff, is our way of educating and bringing public awareness to the potential loss of historic, architecturally significant or iconic buildings and places in our own community.

News About At-Risk Buildings and Neighborhoods

Purpose

• Old Oak Cliff Conservation League’s Architecture at Risk List was initiated in 2010, after the League's experience with DISD and the loss of Oak Cliff Christian Church.

• People in the community asked what we could do to be more pro-active with possible demolition of other local landmarks.

• The Risk List was an idea borrowed from The National Trust for Historic Preservation and Preservation Dallas’ List of Endangered Historic Places, with a focus on Oak Cliff, during a time when economic development was on the forefront and zoning changes were under debate.

• Publishing the Architecture at Risk list, specifically for Oak Cliff, is our way of educating and bringing public awareness to the potential loss of historic, architecturally significant or iconic buildings and places in our own community.

• Learning the History of our built environment strengthens the sense of place in any community, especially Oak Cliff. Sharing these stories provides an emotional connection to our history represented in form by our architecture.

• During the first year of research to indentify risk factors associated with many current buildings and structures, we were constantly reminded of the numerous success stories in Oak Cliff.

• Stewardship and adaptive use of properties provide excellent examples of organic growth, and serve as proof of how community effort, positive zoning regulations, maintaining original structures, caring property owners and visionaries can change the shape of an entire community.

Examples of positive Success Stories.

Winnetka Heights – Neighborhood /beginning of revitalization in OC & League-mid 70’s Bishop Arts District – Community /Jim Lake Sr. & Partner purchased group of buildings in 1984 and began restoration. Preservation Dallas will present a Preservation Achievement Award to Bishop Arts District this year on May 14th at Texas Theater. Adamson High School, Sunset High School and the Sharrock Family Farm Site - City of Dallas Landmarks Lake Cliff Park – Community/ Centennial Celebration will be held on September 20th. Kiest Park and Kiest Memorial Garden – Community Turner House – Community venue Firehouse No. 15 / Gloria’s – Adaptive Use Bolsa – Adaptive Use The Belmont Hotel - Restoration Kessler Theater – Restoration Texas Theater - Restoration Jefferson Tower – Restoration / Adaptive Use